What's this black thing on the roof of Commercial Vehicles?

libranof1987 · 17th June 2011, 09:11

I have come across many buses/tempos/trucks with the top blackened.

I've even seen the Tempo Travellers and some Sumos with such roofs. Someone said that's to prevent leaks, some said that is to ensure the body absorbs very little heat.

What exactly is it composed of and what purpose does it serve?

PICS : 1 bus had a generous helping; the other none.

Lukeskywalker · 17th June 2011, 09:28

AFAIK, it is a bitumen sheet which is used for waterproofing the roof, it is placed on the roof and then heated for adhesiveness.

rjstyles69 · 17th June 2011, 09:31

That's the Roof Coating you are referring to. Flexes like rubber and is mostly used as a sealant. They say this lowers the interior temperature in the bus too. Have seen the ePOXYSHIELD can's being sold which is solely for this purpose.

jeeva · 17th June 2011, 09:53

These black sheets are available in rolls at hardware shops too (haven't seen in Bangalore though). Actually, during the monsoons, for leaking roofs, folks use it as an additional layer on asbestos sheets/tiles/even concrete roofs.

17th June 2011, 09:11	#1
libranof1987 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: All over! Posts: 7,613 Thanked: 18,339 Times	What's this black thing on the roof of Commercial Vehicles? I have come across many buses/tempos/trucks with the top blackened. I've even seen the Tempo Travellers and some Sumos with such roofs. Someone said that's to prevent leaks, some said that is to ensure the body absorbs very little heat. What exactly is it composed of and what purpose does it serve? PICS : 1 bus had a generous helping; the other none. Attached Thumbnails
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17th June 2011, 09:28	#2
Lukeskywalker Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,397 Thanked: 1,243 Times View My Garage	Re: What's that black thing on the roof? AFAIK, it is a bitumen sheet which is used for waterproofing the roof, it is placed on the roof and then heated for adhesiveness.
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17th June 2011, 09:31	#3
rjstyles69 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bengalooru.. Posts: 4,343 Thanked: 842 Times View My Garage	Re: What's that black thing on the roof? That's the Roof Coating you are referring to. Flexes like rubber and is mostly used as a sealant. They say this lowers the interior temperature in the bus too. Have seen the ePOXYSHIELD can's being sold which is solely for this purpose.
	(1) Thanks

17th June 2011, 09:53	#4
jeeva BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: DXB / Nilgiris Posts: 769 Thanked: 1,278 Times View My Garage	Re: What's that black thing on the roof? These black sheets are available in rolls at hardware shops too (haven't seen in Bangalore though). Actually, during the monsoons, for leaking roofs, folks use it as an additional layer on asbestos sheets/tiles/even concrete roofs. Last edited by jeeva : 17th June 2011 at 09:54.
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